Image source, Getty Images/Press EyeImage caption, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland both face tricky play-off ties in their bid to reach the World Cup
ByAndy GrayBBC Sport NI Journalist- Published4 minutes ago
Northern Ireland face a difficult 2027 Women's World Cup play-off with Portugal, while the Republic of Ireland will take on Kazakhstan.
Michael McArdle's side will be underdogs against Portugal, who beat NI twice in Euro 2025 qualifying.
If they can win that game, then either Iceland or Croatia await in the second round of play-offs.
Given their world ranking, even if Northern Ireland could stun two of Europe's biggest sides they could still face an additional inter-continental play-off to make it to the finals.
The Republic of Ireland, who qualified for a first World Cup in 2023, will face a first round tie with Kazakhstan.
If Carla Ward's side win their first round, then they will face either Belgium or Poland in a bid to reach the finals.
The first round ties will take place in October, while the second play-off round are scheduled for the international window in November and December.
Play-off draw
First round path one:
Lithuania v Sweden
Romania v Norway
Greece v England
Croatia v Iceland
Kazakhstan v Republic of Ireland
Kosovo v Austria
Hungary v Netherlands
Belarus v Italy
First round path two:
Albania v Wales
Turkey v Slovenia
Slovakia v Ukraine
Israel v Switzerland
Belgium v Poland
Czech Republic v Scotland
Northern Ireland v Portugal
Finland v Serbia
Second round:
Slovakia or Ukraine v Greece or England
Finland or Serbia v Belarus or Italy
Northern Ireland or Portugal v Croatia or Iceland
Albania or Wales v Romania or Norway
Israel or Switzerland v Kosovo or Austria
Czech Republic or Scotland v Lithuania or Sweden
Belgium or Poland v Kazakhstan or the Republic of Ireland
Turkey or Slovenia v Hungary or Netherlands
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Related topics
- Football
- Women's Football
- Republic of Ireland Women's Football Team
- Northern Ireland Women's Football Team
